Gamba Francis

Gamba Francis, a native of Como, one of the Protestant martyrs of the 16th century. He was apprehended and condemned to death by the senate of Milan. At the place of execution a monk presented a cross to him, to whom he said, "My mind is so full of the real merits and goodness of Christ, that I want not a piece of senseless stick to put me in mind of him." His tongue was perforated to prevent his addressing the crowd, but he gave a sign with his hand indicating peace and confidence. He was then strangled, and his body was burnt after his death, July 21, 1554. — Fox, Book of Martyrs, 2:473; McCrie, Reformation in Italy, chapter 5.